Golloway’s Tigers Getting it Together Just in Time for SEC Play

Keegan Thompson has only given up one earn run this season.(photo:auburntigers.com)

After a rough start, new Auburn Baseball Coach Sunny Golloway has his Tigers playing the way he has expected. The Tigers played a good game last week in a one run loss in the Capital City Classic, before sweeping a good Mercer team at home over the weekend.

Although the wins came as a result of what Golloway has been preaching – “a team effort”, the Tigers had several players shine at the right moments.

For the second straight week Freshman sensation Keegan Thompson dominated on the mound. After hurling a one-hit complete game shutout last week, he delivered seven shutout innings in Saturday’s game to pick up his third win. He has a 0.30 ERA and has given up just one earned run in 30.0 innings this season. Opponents are only averaging 0.95 against him.

In addition, the bats have also started to come around with sophomore Jordan Ebert leading the charge in the weekend series. Ebert had two RBI’s, scored five runs, stole 3 basses and hit .545 for the series. Senior Damek Tomschaleads the team with 13 RBI’s andhas hit three of the team’s four homeruns this season.

But if there was a star moment in the series it had to be when senior Ryan Tella came to the plate in the ninth inning Sunday and hit a dramatic two out walk off bases loaded single that broke a tie game and gave the Tigers the sweep.

Make no mistake, it was an outstanding team performance against a very good Mercer team. The Bears came in to Plainsman Park 12-2 and ranked No. 11 in the RPI. It couldn’t have come at a better time for the Tigers as they open the SEC season Friday at 6 p.m. when No.25 Texas A&M Aggies come to town for a three game series.

But first things first. Auburn must play Kennesaw State (10-8) on the road today and will be looking to redeem their earlier season loss to Alabama State (15-4) tomorrow at 6 p.m. in Plainsman Park. Then the important part of the season begins …

Let’s go Tigers!

Update: Auburn defeated Kennesaw State 6-1. Four Tiger pitchers combined for AU’s 2nd one hitter of the season. Bring on ASU. War Eagle!

Update (3-12-14) Auburn defeated Alabama State 6-5 to head into SEC play at 11-6 and riding a five game winning streak.

P W Elder is a Civil War buff, upland bird hunter, and Auburn blogger. He loves tailgating with his family and friends, following all things Auburn, and spending time with his wife in the Loveliest Village on the Plains. View Profile →